How Long Does It Take To Get A Dental Crown?

Do you have a tooth that needs a crown? Maybe it’s cracked or chipped or has a cavity that is too large for a filling. A crown is a restorative option to save a damaged tooth. It allows the natural root to stay in place while covering the existing tooth material for protection. 

If you’re thinking about getting a dental crown, you may have a variety of questions. How long does it take to get a dental crown? Can the procedure be completed in one day? Learn the answers to these questions and more. 

What is a Dental Crown? 

A dental crown is a protective covering that is placed over a tooth that is too damaged for a filling. Crowns can be made of porcelain or metal depending on the location of the tooth and personal preferences. Porcelain crowns look very natural and can be made to match the color of your existing teeth. Metal crowns can be placed on back molars where they are less visible and will bear the brunt of the chewing force. Porcelain is very strong, but does not last as long as metal. 

What is the Dental Crown Procedure? 

The procedure for getting a dental crown involves reducing the existing tooth structure to make room for the crown to fit over the top. Impressions or digital images are made of the tooth to create a crown that will fit in the space and blend in with the rest of the teeth. In some cases a temporary crown will need to be placed while the permanent crown is created in a lab and sent back to the dental office for placement. If the crown fits properly it will be permanently bonded into placement. If not, it will be sent back to the lab for adjustments. 

How Long Does Dental Crown Placement Take? 

From the first consultation to the placement of the permanent crown, the entire process can take a few weeks. The procedure of bonding the permanent crown in place over the tooth only takes about 20-30 minutes. 

How Long Does a Dental Crown Last? 

A porcelain crown lasts an average of 10-15 years. With excellent care and maintenance it could last for 20 years or more. Metal crowns tend to be more sturdy and last an average of 15-20 years or even longer when they are well taken care of. Crowns on the back molars may wear out more quickly because the force of chewing takes its toll over time. 

Are Crowns Worth It? 

There are many benefits to dental crowns. A tooth that has severe damage to the natural crown may not be able to be restored with a filling. But instead of having the tooth extracted, a crown allows the natural root to stay in place. The tooth is still supported in the jaw like a natural tooth, which allows for better function and appearance. And a crown costs less than a dental implant, which is the closest replacement option to a natural tooth. 

Where Can I Get a Dental Crown?

Golia Dental provides dental crown placement for any number of teeth. If you have a tooth that is chipped, cracked, or severely damaged, we can assess the situation and determine whether or not a dental crown is the best option to restore it. We always do our best to save the natural tooth whenever possible, but we also provide replacement options when necessary. 

Call 203-248-7400 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Dental crowns are a frequently used, versatile dental restoration. Costs for a dental crown will vary depending on the materials required, your insurance coverage, and your geographic location.

Read on to learn more about dental crowns and what you can expect to pay for the procedure in Hampden, CT.

What is a dental crown?

A crown is typically a permanent fixture that covers a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength or improve its appearance.

They can be used to protect a weak tooth from breaking or hold together parts of a cracked tooth. Crowns can also restore a broken tooth or one that has been severely worn down.

When cemented into place, crowns fully cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.

When are crowns needed?

Crowns can be used in situations where fillings and bonding aren't enough to solve the problem. These are some common reasons why your dentist may recommend a crown:

• A cavity too large for a filling to restore properly
• A tooth with an existing large filling that needs replacing
• A tooth that has cracked or weakened tooth due to trauma or decay
• A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy (in this case, the crown reinforces the treated tooth)
• A tooth after placement of a dental implant (the crown replaces the missing tooth)

What is the procedure to get a crown?

First, the dentist will take an x-ray of your mouth to see if there might be any complications, such as decay. If you need a root canal, it will be performed before placing the crown.

Then, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing the enamel and reshaping the tooth to accommodate the crown. A mold of your teeth will be taken to create a custom crown that will fit perfectly, and a temporary crown will be placed.

After about two weeks, you’ll come back for a second appointment to have the permanent crown cemented into place.

That's it! The procedure is painless and long-lasting—you should expect your crown to last between five and fifteen years before it needs maintenance or replacement.

What factors affect the cost of a dental crown?

An important factor affecting the cost of a dental crown is the type of material used: Crowns are available in porcelain fused to metal, full gold, lithium disilicate and zirconia.

Another factor that affects the overall cost of a tooth crown is whether or not you have insurance and how much you’ll be required to pay out-of-pocket.

The experience of the dentist and the geographic area you live in will also affect the cost. In an advanced, well-equipped practice, a highly skilled dentist may charge more for their services. And if you live in a city with a high cost of living, you’ll likely pay more for your crown.

How much does a dental crown cost in Hamden, CT?

The cost of a dental crown in Hamden, Connecticut, is between $1,200 and $3,000.

Hamden Dental Arts Provides Crown Restorations

If you need a dental crown, whether due to decay, damage, or cosmetic reasons, Hamden Dental Arts can provide the tooth restoration you need. Contact us to schedule an appointment or call 203-248-7400.

Dental crowns are hard, solid caps placed over damaged or decayed teeth. Crowns attach to the natural tooth and allow you to chew, drink, and talk naturally. They’re often crafted from ceramic, porcelain, or gold and are shaped to look and feel much like a natural tooth.

Crowns provide protection and enhanced strength for the covered tooth while improving the appearance of your smile. It’s much like covering an old couch with a sofa cover. The couch may look and feel like a new couch without completely replacing the original material.

Crowns are among the most common dental procedures performed by general dentists. They’re often recommended when a tooth is damaged too badly for fillings. The question is how much natural tooth you need to anchor a crown securely. Keep reading to find out.

What Happens if a Tooth is Too Small for a Crown?

Dentists use crowns to protect and repair teeth that are severely damaged by decay. Fillings are used in most cases when the tooth is 50% or more intact. When ¾ or more of the tooth is damaged or deteriorated, crowns are the best solution.

That means that dental crowns are designed to attach to small tooth surfaces. Dentists are trained to evaluate the remaining tooth to determine that it meets the following criteria:

• Adequate surface to attach a dental crown securely
• Adequate tooth structure to form stable support for the crown

When there isn’t enough natural tooth to securely attach the crown, a dentist will first reconstruct the tooth using composite resin (core build up). This durable material is applied in thin layers, rebuilding the tooth’s surface until it’s large enough to support the crown. The crown is then placed over the resin tooth structure.

When a natural tooth fractures into the gum tissue, two techniques are required. Crown lengthening is a surgical technique that removes gum tissue to expose more tooth structure and enables a core build up to be placed and then shaped to receive a crown

Can You Get a Crown if There is No tooth?

You can get crowns even if your natural tooth is too decayed or damaged to support it naturally, but what about placing crowns over missing teeth? It may seem like that’s impossible because there is no tooth surface to attach the crown to, but there is one option that your dentist may suggest: dental implants.

A dental implant consists of a sturdy post inserted into the gum line and a crown fitted on top. The crown is either screwed onto the metal post or cemented to it at the top. The result is a natural-looking tooth structure made from a durable material that functions much like natural teeth.

Since a crown is used to create dental implants, you can say that it’s possible to place a crown when there is no natural tooth remaining. You just need to create the structure inside the gum to fully support the crown first.

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Crowns?

If you have decayed or damaged teeth that your dentist can’t repair with fillings, it’s time to talk to our trained dental team about crowns. We will thoroughly analyze your teeth and recommend the best procedures to restore functionality.

Our goal is to restore your confident smile as well as your ability to enjoy your favorite foods. Call 203-248-7400 or request an appointment today to learn more about dental crowns.

Dental crowns are a common tooth restoration option. When a tooth is damaged in some way, whether from decay or trauma, a crown can cover the existing tooth enamel and allow the root of the tooth to stay in place. A crown is sometimes called a cap because it fits over the top of the existing tooth. 

Dental crowns can be made of a variety of materials. The ultimate goal of the crown is to be strong enough to withstand the pressure of chewing and in some cases, to look as natural as possible. Here are some of the common types of crowns.

Ceramic/Porcelain

Porcelain is basically a specific type of ceramic used in dental prosthetics such as crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays. Porcelain closely resembles natural tooth enamel with its sheen and porous appearance. It can be dyed to match the color of your existing teeth so that it blends in and looks realistic. 

Porcelain is relatively strong and fairly durable. It withstands the force of chewing and can last for at least 10-15 years. 

Porcelain Fused to Metal 

When porcelain is fused to metal to create a crown, it increases the bite strength of the crown while maintaining the natural appearance of tooth enamel. Porcelain fused to metal crowns tend to cost more than all porcelain crowns and they can leave a visible dark border along the gum line. 

Porcelain fused to metal crowns have about the same average lifespan of all porcelain crowns, which is 10-15 years, although porcelain fused to metal may last a bit longer. 

Gold Alloys

Metal alloys, the most common of which is gold, are most often used for crowns placed on molars. There are a few reasons for this: one, gold and other metal alloys are stronger to withstand the bite force of the back molars, and two, it is less important for back teeth to look natural because they are less visible.  

Gold alloy crowns can last an average of 20-40 years and even longer in many cases. 

What is the Procedure for Getting a Crown?

The procedure for getting a dental crown is basically the same no matter what the crown is made of. The process entails the following steps: 

• Consultation/Evaluation. The first step is to have a consultation with your dentist. An evaluation will be done to determine whether or not a crown would be the right option for you. 

• Images. Images and X-rays will be taken to ensure that your existing tooth and root are in the necessary condition to receive a crown. 

• Reducing the tooth. The existing tooth enamel will need to be filed down to make room for the crown to be placed. 

• Impressions. Impressions will be made of your teeth to prepare the crown so that it is the right shape and size. 

• Temporary crown placement. You will receive a temporary crown while your permanent crown is created in a dental lab. 
• Permanent crown placement. When your permanent crown comes back from the lab, you will go back to your dentist for a fitting. If it fits well, it will be permanently cemented into place. If it needs adjustments it will be sent back to the lab. 

Hamden Dental Arts Provides 3 Types of Dental Crowns 

If you are in need of a dental crown, Hamden Dental Arts provides all three of the above types of crowns. We will evaluate your teeth and make the best recommendation for the type of crown that would suit your needs. 

Call 203-248-7400 or request an appointment today.

A dental crown, sometimes referred to as a cap, is a restorative option for a tooth that is severely decayed or damaged. In cases where the root of the tooth is still intact, a crown can be placed over the existing tooth to restore the shape and protect it from further damage. A crown can also be a cosmetic option for a tooth that is chipped or broken in a highly visible part of the mouth. 

If your dentist has recommended a dental crown, here’s what you need to know about the procedure. 

Why Might I Need a Dental Crown?

The natural enamel of your teeth can be damaged in a variety of ways. Plaque can eat away at tooth enamel causing cavities. If the cavities are too extensive, fillings may not be enough to repair the tooth. A crown can be used to cover the tooth and restore its shape. 

A tooth can crack or chip due to natural wear and tear from chewing or from a trauma to the mouth. A crown can repair the tooth and prevent the crack or chip from getting worse. 

What is a Dental Crown Made Of?

Dental crowns can be made of a few different materials:

• Porcelain. Porcelain is a specific type of ceramic that is most often used for dental crowns. It closely resembles natural tooth enamel and is strong enough to withstand the pressure of chewing. 

• Porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain fused to metal provides the added strength of metal with the natural look of tooth enamel. 
• Gold alloys. Gold alloys are sometimes used for crowns on the back molars which are not as visible as the front teeth and that must be strong to bear the brunt of chewing force or teeth grinding. 

How Long Does a Crown Last?

A porcelain crown can last an average of 8-10 years before needing to be replaced. It may last much longer than that, but over time the porcelain can wear down and become damaged. The crown may also get loose and need to be cemented back into place. Gold alloy crowns typically last longer than porcelain, for an average of 15-30 years. 

Does Dental Insurance Cover Crowns?

In most cases dental insurance will cover crowns. When the crown is needed to repair your tooth for health reasons, the procedure and the crown is usually covered. The only time insurance won’t cover a crown is when it is being done for cosmetic purposes. A crown to improve the appearance of your teeth may not be covered unless there is also a dental health reason. 

What is the Procedure for Getting a Crown?

In order to have a crown placed, some of the existing enamel must be removed so that the overall size of the natural tooth is reduced. Then impressions are made of the existing teeth that are used to create the crown so that it is the correct size and shape. You will receive a temporary crown while the permanent crown is made in a lab. Once the permanent crown comes in you will go back to the dentist for a fitting. If the crown fits properly it will be cemented permanently into place. If the crown doesn’t fit it may have to be sent back to the lab for adjustments. 

Can a Crown Wait?

It is best not to put off getting a crown if you need one. In cases of severe tooth decay, letting it go too long without treatment may mean that the tooth can no longer be saved with a crown. It may also mean that you’ll need a root canal in addition to a crown. A cracked or chipped tooth is highly susceptible to tooth decay if it is not covered with a crown. 

Hamden Dental Arts Provides Crown Restorations

If you need a dental crown, whether due to decay or damage, Hamden Dental Arts can provide you with the restoration you need. Call 203-248-7400 or request an appointment today.

A crack in your tooth underneath a crown is a significant dental emergency. You should see a dentist as soon as possible to have the best chance of saving your natural tooth. Here’s why you should seek emergency dental treatment for a crack in a tooth. 

Problems Caused By Cracked Teeth 

If any of your teeth crack, you should see a dentist immediately. It is always in your best interest to preserve your natural teeth, rather than having a tooth extracted. Therefore, cracked teeth need immediate treatment to prevent common problems from developing.

Increased Sensitivity of Tooth

If you have cracked a tooth under your crown that goes untreated you may begin experiencing sensitivity when you chew or bite. The sensitivity may start as mild but will likely increase in intensity.

Tooth Decay

A cracked tooth will almost certainly lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay not only causes cavities but can lead to other health problems including gum disease or a dental abscess.

Infection in the Pulp

A crack in a formerly healthy tooth or a tooth that has a crown on it is susceptible to infection that may travel into the interior (pulp) of your tooth. An infection in the pulp of your tooth will require a root canal.

Signs Of a Cracked Tooth

A tooth that cracks under a crown may lead to mild symptoms that worsen over time. Some of the symptoms of a cracked tooth include:

• Pain when eating that may come and go
• Swelling around the gum
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, spicy, or sweet foods

If you suspect you have cracked a tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Time is of the essence when it comes to treatment, as it can mean the difference between keeping your natural tooth or losing a tooth.

Treatment for a Cracked Tooth

Treating a tooth that has cracked will depend upon the type of crack in the tooth. There are several types of tooth fractures and cracks.

Cracked Tooth

Fractures in a tooth are an indication that a tooth is weak. Small fractures that are visible but not symptomatic can be observed. Larger fractures, especially if the tooth is symptomatic, need immediate intervention. The longer you wait guarantees that symptoms will get worse. The worse the symptoms, the prognosis to save the tooth goes down. A completely cracked tooth has a crack that extends from the gum line to the chewing surface of your tooth. This tooth will almost always need a root canal, and a crown to preserve the tooth.  

Cracked Crown

If the crown itself cracks it may feel strange in your mouth as if it’s not in the proper place. A crown may also completely dislodge. In most cases, a cracked crown will need to be replaced.

Craze Lines

Hairline cracks in a tooth or multiple teeth are called craze lines. These lines don’t cause pain, and unless you request treatment for cosmetic reasons, these cracks may not require treatment. 

Split Tooth

A tooth that splits from below the gumline and separates the tooth into two parts is called a split tooth. Because the crack extends beneath the gum line, the tooth will not be salvageable. You will need to have the tooth extracted, and replaced with a dental implant, or dental bridge.  

Fractured Cusp

A small fracture that develops near a filling is called a fractured cusp. These small cracks are generally painless, but your dentist may recommend repairing them with a filling.

Emergency Dental Care in Hamden, CT

If you’ve suffered from a dental injury, or are experiencing any type of pain in your mouth or tooth, contact us to schedule an appointment with Hamden Dental Arts today by calling 203-248-7400.